The England women’s rugby team are closing in on a sensational Rugby World Cup triumph on home turf, and a few of the Red Roses stars are playing alongside their romantic partners
The England women’s rugby team are just two matches away clinching from World Cup glory. The two-time champions take on France next in Saturday afternoon’s highly-anticipated clash in Bristol.
The Red Roses have won by 30 or more points in every match so far, but France are expected to pose a tougher test. Remarkably, England haven’t suffered a Test defeat since their World Cup final loss to New Zealand in 2022.
Their 40-8 quarter-final victory over Scotland last week marked their 31st consecutive win, meaning a win at the Twickenham showpiece on 27 September would extend that record to 33.
As the squad prepares for a potentially landmark day in the nation’s women’s rugby history on home soil, we take a closer look at some of the England stars and their personal lives off the pitch, including team-mate romances.
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Jess Breach
England winger Jess Breach has been in fine form for England at the World Cup, scoring six tries in the three group stage matches. The speedster, who made her debut in 2017, currently plays for Saracens.
However, it was during her time at Harlequins that she met her boyfriend and fellow Quins star Archie White, making her move to Saracens in 2022 a difficult decision. Archie, a flanker, retired from professional rugby at the young age of 27 this year as part of the 2024/25 leavers, after reaching 50 appearances for the Quins last year.
He left to pursue new opportunities in business, but continues to play for Tonbridge Juddians in the National Leagues.
Holly Aitchison and Hannah Botterman
It’s rare to witness two athletes representing their nation at the highest level of their sport whilst also sharing a romantic bond. Fly-half Holly Aitchison and prop Hannah Botterman were both called up to John Mitchell’s 2025 England World Cup squad.
Aitchison was limited to just 19 minutes on the field before the Scotland clash due to an ankle problem. But she featured for the entirety of the match against Scotland, converting five kicks, setting up Abby Dow’s try and crossing the line herself.
The 28-year-old Southport star’s girlfriend, Botterman, didn’t play against Scotland, though the 26-year-old did score a try against the USA and faced Australia.
The couple’s romance started when they met each other at Hartpury College in 2015, before becoming smitten with one another. Both represented Saracens before moving to Bristol Bears until 2025/26, with Aitchison joining Sale Sharks Women in June.
Zoe Aldcroft
England captain Zoe Aldcroft has captured hearts for her leadership on the pitch and her charm off it. She first met husband Luke Stratford in Gloucester, when Luke boldly approached her while wearing women’s clothes as fancy dress in a nightclub.
That seemed to pay off, however, as the couple got married in June 2024 at Hackness Grange in Scarborough. Zoe recounted that Luke insisted on wearing shorts “even in minus conditions”, and she added: “As soon as the wedding was done the tie was off and the flip-flops were on.”
The lock, 28, was named England captain earlier this year and believes this World Cup has the potential to change women’s rugby forever. Meanwhile, Luke dedicated at least five years to playing at Hartpury College and coaches the Hartpury 2nds in the university league, while holding a full-time position at a school. During his leisure time, he extends his coaching expertise to the local team, Longlevens RFC.
Both Zoe and Luke embrace an active lifestyle, often spotted rowing and hiking together. When not engaged in outdoor adventures, they enjoy attending family gatherings and friends’ weddings.
Abbie Ward
Abbie Ward has been a constant presence in the team since 2015, with this being her third Rugby World Cup. The 32-year-old Bristol Bears lock married former Harlequins hooker Dave Ward in August 2020.
Their paths first crossed at the Quins’ training ground in Guildford when Abbie had just joined the women’s team, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Rugby continues to be a major part of their relationship.
Dave, who once coached Abbie at Bristol Bears Women, is now the head coach at Ampthill and District. However, the couple’s greatest achievement was welcoming their daughter Hallie in July 2023. Abbie’s return to the pitch just 17 weeks later against Sale Sharks was nothing short of incredible, as documented in the film Abbie Ward: A Bump in the Road.
Abbie said previously: “I think it is nice having someone who can relate to everything that is going on, the highs and the lows. I think it is quite unique to have your other half who completely gets all of that work life but all of the social parts of it as well.”
Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan
Saracens and England team-mates Marlie Packer and Rosie Galligan delivered the heartwarming news in June 2025 that they were engaged. The two Red Roses stars got engaged near England’s training base in Guildford, Surrey, which Galligan called the “easiest yes in the world”.
Packer serves as the vice-captain of the England squad at 35 years old. The back row veteran has a son called Oliver from a previous relationship and regularly posts snapshots of the trio’s happy family life on social media.
Saracens lock Galligan, 27, began her romance with Packer at some point after 2021. She has appeared in every match for England so far in the tournament.